When Bernard Elno pitched this idea to Tawana over the phone, she was visibly disgusted.
She told her parents, “This Bernard Elno, not at all like a former world’s richest man, always pinching pennies, trying to get freebies. Now he wants me to sing at the party. Normally, for such an event, the appearance fee would be millions, right? He’s so rich, yet doesn’t even mention payment.”
Tawana’s mother smiled, “Sweetie, remember, the richer they are, the more calculating they get. He’s not unwilling to spend, just prefers not to if he can avoid it.”
She advised, “If you really don’t want to, find an excuse to decline. Say you’re feeling unwell or your throat’s not up to it. I doubt he’ll keep pushing.”
Tawana nodded, “I’ll tell him I overused my voice with twenty consecutive concerts and need rest.”
Tawana’s father chimed in, “I think you should do him a favour and sing a couple of songs at the party.”
“No way,” Tawana’s mother said, displeased, “Can’t you see Bernard Elno’s just trying to take advantage? Since we arrived, he hasn’t offered to cover our expenses, didn’t mention a fee for the party, and now wants her to sing. Why should we go along with him?”
Tawana’s father smiled, “Don’t look at it so narrowly. Singing without pay might seem like letting him take advantage, but think about it: if this gets out online, videos of her singing at the party spreading across platforms, it’s great publicity for her too!”
“Nowadays, when a big star does something down-to-earth, it’s like a god descending to mortals in the public’s eyes, incredibly moving. A top singer like our daughter, singing for free at a bar during a holiday, interacting with guests, that’ll go viral online, with fans going wild!”
“Plus, we’re in White Horse Hotel’s bar, mingling with guests. Their corporate team will seize this chance, pouring huge sums into global entertainment media for exposure. It’s them spending to promote both themselves and us.”
“And, while Bernard Elno’s stingy personally, he’s the boss of so many luxury brands. There’ll be plenty of collaboration opportunities. His group follows proper procedures for business deals, they won’t skimp on payments. So, what’s wrong with doing him a small favour? Our only cost is our daughter singing a few songs.”
“It looks like we’re helping Bernard Elno, but it’s also helping ourselves. In today’s business world, helping others is often the best way to help yourself.”
Tawana and her mother fell silent.
Her father’s analysis made sense and was quite objective.
Sometimes, you don’t want others to take advantage, but on reflection, a win-win collaboration isn’t a bad choice.
Sure, he gets a few free songs, but it’s also a chance to show a more relatable side of a star.
So Tawana nodded, “Alright, I’ll agree to sing a few songs at the party tonight.”
Her mother cautioned, “Sweetie, listen to me, three songs max!”
Tawana, for some reason thinking of Ye Chen, said, “Four songs. I want to add one by someone else.”
“What?” her mother asked, confused, “I get singing four, but why someone else’s song? Why not four of your own?”
Tawana, lost in thought, said, “I want to sing Gu Qiuyi’s ‘Assassin.’ I love that song…”
Tawana felt that if her singing at the party made entertainment headlines, she’d seize the chance to indirectly express her feelings to Ye Chen, who’d surely see it.
Her mother, not sharing the altruistic view, felt singing someone else’s song was a loss and tried to dissuade her, “Sweetie, sing as many as you want, but don’t do someone else’s song. Why make a gift for others?”
Tawana shook her head, resolute, “Mum, don’t try to change my mind. Even if I sing just one song, I want it to be Gu Qiuyi’s ‘Assassin.’”
Her mother, helpless but seeing her determination, nodded, “Alright, if you’ve decided, so be it.”
As evening fell, the sky darkened.
Guests, having heard the news, packed the ocean-view bar, eagerly awaiting Tawana’s appearance.
Tawana changed into an embroidered silk qipao, her hair meticulously styled with a Chinese hairpin. She checked herself in the mirror for a long time, deeply satisfied.
Bernard Elno and his wife arrived at Tawana’s villa, bringing a fleet of golf carts to escort her to the bar.
Meanwhile, a hundred kilometres away at sea, several black speedboats raced forward, each fitted with six massive engines, moving at breakneck speed.
On these boats were at least forty masked, heavily armed figures in black, crouched in the open cabins, checking their weapons.
Their destination, speeding relentlessly, was Ye Chen’s White Horse Island!
